The Best UK City Break Destinations
Exploring new places is one of the best ways to spend your time. But holidays and long weekends can be expensive and complicated, especially when they involve overseas travel.
Want an adventure without the stress? The UK has everything you need for a great city break right on your doorstep!
Whether planning a fun-filled family staycation or a romantic getaway with your partner, discover our top city break destinations in the UK and why we love them.
What makes a great city break?
You might want to consider a few things for your next city break destination. Only you can decide what you want from your trip, whether a long weekend packed with culture or a fun family retreat to the seaside. What makes a great city break? Look for a destination that offers the following:
- Attractions and activities
- Museums and galleries
- Nightlife and entertainment
- Bars, cafés and restaurants
- Straightforward transport
- Convenient hotels
Whatever you’re looking for, the UK has it. Let’s explore our top UK city breaks for families and couples.
The best city breaks for families
Family holiday? There’s no need to worry about flights and transfers with little ones in tow – the UK has everything you need. From beautiful sandy beaches to walkable cities with unique family attractions, make everyone happy when you choose one of these top city breaks.
1. London
Best for: Unique attractions
Where to stay: Leonardo Royal London City, Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge or Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s
London is hard to beat when it comes to city breaks. In fact, it’s one of the most popular cities for family trips worldwide! With hundreds of unique attractions, a variety of restaurants and award-winning entertainment, it’s easy to see why. So, what are the best things to do on a family city break in London?
- The Natural History Museum
- London Zoo
- The Science Museum
- The Tower of London
- SEA LIFE London Aquarium
- London Transport Museum
- Madame Tussauds
- Young V&A
If museums, galleries and indoor attractions aren’t your thing, or you’re looking for family things to do in the sunshine, London has you covered. Head out and explore the beautiful Royal Parks, where you can picnic, cycle or swim. Or enjoy a foodie tour of the city. The best family restaurants in London include the following:
- Rosa’s Thai, Soho
- The Arber Garden, Fitzrovia
- Koya Ko, Hackney
- Heddon Street Kitchen, Piccadilly Circus (kids eat free!)
- Pizza East, Shoreditch (kids eat free!)
There’s plenty to do on a family break in London. Do your research and plan a rough itinerary before you arrive to make exploring with children easier.
2. Chester
Best for: Exploring on foot
Where to stay: Leonardo Chester
Chester is an excellent destination for a family city break that lets you walk from A to B. Its ancient Roman roots are celebrated around every corner, with many unique attractions to entertain little historians. Not to mention one of the UK’s best zoos! Build out your itinerary, starting with some of the best things to do with the family in Chester.
- Chester Zoo
- Chester City Walls
- Grosvenor Park
- Deva Roman Experience
- Chester Roman Gardens
- Blue Planet Aquarium
When visiting Chester with little ones, we recommend picking one exciting thing to do daily and spending the rest of the time exploring and going with the flow. You never know what might take your fancy!
3. Brighton
Best for: Seaside favourites
Where to stay: Leonardo Brighton, Leonardo Royal Brighton Waterfront, The Grand Brighton
Craving a seaside escape? There’s no need to travel overseas; the UK has plenty of coastal destinations with endless ways to enjoy yourself. Among the best? Brighton!
This free-thinking resort sits on the south coast and is famous for its diverse community and vibrant culture, music and arts scene. Brighton offers endless cafés, coffee shops and restaurants for such a compact city. Plus, there are plenty of exciting things to do with kids of all ages.
- Brighton Palace Pier
- SEA LIFE Brighton
- Royal Pavilion
- Brighton i360
- Brighton Beach
- Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
- The Lanes
Head to the beach if you can’t decide what to do in Brighton. The pebbly shore is a favourite locals’ hangout, with restaurants and bars as a backdrop, perfect for diving into if the heavens open.
The best city breaks for couples
Leaving the kids at home? Or don’t have any to worry about? Whatever your relationship status, a romantic city break is a great way to escape and connect. The best romantic destinations boast pretty streets and neighbourhoods, historic landmarks and great restaurants and bars.
1. Edinburgh
Best for: Old and new
Where to stay: Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket, Leonardo Royal Edinburgh, Leonardo Edinburgh City, Leonardo Edinburgh Murrayfield
One of the UK’s most beautiful cities, Edinburgh is perfect for a romantic break any time of year. Christmas markets and a charming Old Town are an irresistible backdrop for making memories in winter. On sunny days, pristine parks and green spaces on your doorstep mean there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the city. But what are the best things to do on a romantic break in Edinburgh?
- Edinburgh Castle
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
- Arthur’s Seat
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- The Scotch Whisky Experience
- Royal Mile
- Princes Street Gardens
Edinburgh also offers guided tours themed around the Harry Potter universe (J. K. Rowling wrote her famous books here, finding inspiration for characters and locations in the city) and spooky stories from the city’s past. Be sure to stud your city break with stops at some of Edinburgh’s best restaurants to up the romance.
- Hawksmoor
- Six By Nico
- Chaophraya
- The Voodoo Rooms
- The Witchery by the Castle
Plan something to do and an area to explore each day. Whether you stick to the Old Town or visit the sleek shops and restaurants that occupy much of the city’s new side, Edinburgh offers a perfect contrast for any romantic getaway.
2. Bristol
Best for: Arts and culture
Where to stay: Leonardo Bristol City
Much more than a maritime city, Bristol is one of the most vibrant cultural hubs in the UK. From contemporary art galleries to colourful graffiti and endless independents, there are plenty of ways to spend a weekend immersed in Bristol. The city has a great food and drinks scene, plus diverse nightlife to underpin any romantic weekend away. What are the best things to do in Bristol?
- Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
- Brunel’s SS Great Britain
- Arnolfini Arts
- Clifton Village
- Bristol boat tours
Bristol is a great city to visit with few plans; the colourful streets are so full of things to see and do, it won’t be long before you find a new way to enjoy your time. Create a loose itinerary, book some of the city’s best restaurants and get out there!
3. Oxford
Best for: Architecture
Where to stay: Leonardo Royal Oxford
Being the home of a world-leading university comes with its perks; see them on a romantic weekend in Oxford, when you can wander the streets and encounter stunning architecture and history around every corner. Nicknamed ‘the City of Dreaming Spires’, many of the best things to do in Oxford include visiting beautiful university buildings, churches and other sandstone landmarks.
- Oxford University Museum of Natural History
- University of Oxford
- Christ Church
- Oxford Botanic Garden
- Oxford Castle & Prison
- Bodleian Library
- The Story Museum
- Punting on the Thames
Oxford is an excellent destination for couples year-round, like all our city breaks. It’s just as charming in the winter as it is beautiful in the summer. So whether you soak up the sunshine from the banks of the river or explore coffee shops and galleries on chilly days, you’ll leave feeling relaxed and refreshed.
With the best city break destinations in the UK up your sleeve, there’s nothing left to do but book! Whether you travel by road or rail, enjoy exploring the UK with Leonardo for a comfortable stay every time.